FunktheFormula Magazine August Issue

ARTS. CULTURE..... AND THEN SOME.

JOYA BRAVO + STEVEN MEISEL + DIRTY BASIN

MAGAZINE

AUGUST 2013

www.BiggCaZ.com

ARTIST: Otto Schade, “Desparated”

Street Art Save My Life Facebook.com/streetartsavemylife

Designer: Henrioci; Makeup: Treanna Neufville; Hair: Glamm CEO

WHAT THE FUNK’S INSIDE 5..................THE RUNDOWN 6.................. EDITOR’S NOTE 11.................. NELLY B’S CORNER 15................. WORDS FOR JUSTICE 19................. CAN FASHION BE CONSIDERED ART? STEVE MEISEL PHOTO SPREAD 29................ TRE CHIC! FALL TRENDS by TREANNA 33................. DAVENCE’S COSPLAY ZONE W/ MYKAIOS 41................. ON SCENE W/ JOYA BRAVO 53................. DIRTY BASIN 57.................WATCH OUT NOW

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E EDITOR-IN-CHIEF C.E. LAWTON CONTENT EDITOR GENESE NICOLE CREATIVE DIRECTORS C.E. LAWTON & GENESE NICOLE COPY EDITOR C.E. LAWTON CONTRIBUTORS DAVENCE YOUNG, TSHENELLE BETHEL, DARRIUS HYMAN-SANFORD, JORDANNE BROWN, OMARI STEWART, ROSHAWN TYLER, TREANNNA NEUFVILLE, DANA MILLER SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS TEHMINA BROHI, GLENN HAYES, SHERIDA BATTS, ERNEST ESTIME, ZION MOORE, CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ, CHRISTOPHER VEGA, CANDICE AGARD, KEISHA DUTES, KEVIN ADENA, KATHERINE SILVERIO, SHAWN WYNN ADVERTISING info@funktheformulamag.com FUNKTHEFORMULAMAG.COM It’s the commentary of your life ... but better.

Art. Culture. And Then some.

FOLLOW FUNKTHEFORMULA FACEBOOK.COM/FUNKTHEFORMULA TWITTER: @FUNKTHEFORMULA YOUTUBE.COM/FUNKTHEFORMULA INSTAGRAM: @FUNKTHEFORMULAMAG COVER: Recording Artist, Joya Bravo performing at SRB Brooklyn

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EDITOR’S NOTE Stand For Something....

...And the ride continues. And we’re met with so much in this day and age, continually changing. Since Obama came on the scene and entered into office, he’s talked about Change. We’ve talked about Change. Yes, we’ve seen change, there’s no mistake about that. But, can we fInd ourselves in agreement that with every step foward is a few steps back? We’ve got a black president in office yet there are laws that can allow a man, an agressor to get off scott free after murdering an unarmed black teen in what many can perceive as a racially charged murder?

Is that the counterbalance?

And what does something like that say on many ends of the spectrum? To those with histories of violence and injustice placed against them, or those with history and current reality of racially biased, aggressively hateful behaviors?

Everybody wins?

Or are we at the precipice of what can be perceived as the losing end of a far bigger battle of humanity that’s only yet to have begun?

Only time will tell. But emotions are high, whether it be fear, hate, anger, etc. The nation’s feeling it. The world is feeling it. And what that all means remains to be seen.

With that, we at FTF just want to thank the supporters of the mag that were able to provide their feedback and images of solidarity in this latest issue regarding the case and overal viewpoints of the ramifications of it.

On a lighter note, we hope you dig the latest music interviews, including Joya Bravo & Dirty Basin, and cosplay info provided by our main man Davence in the cosplay zone with a special guest article from a fellow cosplayer, Mykaios. We also have the latest from Nelly B. and Darrius Hyman-Sanford with an inspired piece on Fashion vs. Art. -C.E. Have questions, suggests, comments? Feel free to contact us: info@funktheformulamag.com

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ARTIST: Pobel, “Nice Surprise”

Street Art Save My Life Facebook.com/streetartsavemylife

ARTIST: Sean Hart

Street Art Save My Life Facebook.com/streetartsavemylife

It is NOT okay to hate on skinny women...

(The curvy vs skinny wars) This needs to be said...

I’m pretty sure that if I ask any of my plus size friends about moments where they were made fun of, ridiculed or made to feel ashamed of their size they could relive a few for me in a heart beat.

Of the few who I did ask, I got some stories that rocked me to the core. So many of them were described using words like whale, manatee, trini words like obzockie, mampee. Phrases like “you’d never get a man cuz ya so big and disgusting.”

We often see it in the movies, the fat girl being made fun of by in most cases a group of skinny females. She is seldom ever the main character in a show, and if so, is either over the top (Monique’s character in The Parkers comes to mind) or she’s plagued with all these insecurities about herself and then some.

I will admit even I’ve experienced episodes of being scorned by for my size; by family members as well as by standard size models while backstage getting ready for shows.

So with the plus size movement making strides within the past few years, I could not help but observe that us big girls began to walk with our heads held high, acknowledging that we aren’t a size 2 (heck most of us aren’t even a size 12, lol), that we love our bodies (for the 11

most part) and that we are no longer going to accept ridicule and size discrimination.

And then some went a little too far <<<----- yes...I just said tha t I saw big girls attacking their slender counterparts: both on social network sites, and in the real world. They pick on them, ridiculed them, broke them down and made them to feel like nothing. I approached one of these plus size divas and asked her why she felt the need to do that and she said that all her life they did it to her, so now it’s her turn to show them how it feels. She felt really good about herself knowing that she put others down emotionally.

Now...Part of me understood where she was coming from. When someone does us wrong we often have the urge to give them a taste of their own medicine, to show them (or any other person) how they made us feel. I guess we can call that human nature. HOWEVER, I believe in Matthew 7:12 “So in everything, do on to others as you would have them do on to you”.

Just because it was done to you does not mean that you should stoop to that’s person level and in return act the same way towards someone else.

Many people believe that because they were picked on/bullied that they have a so called “right” to treat others the same way (an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth concept).

NEWSFLASH!!!!! Being ridiculed/bullied does not give you a right to ridicule/ bully others. In doing that you make yourself just as bad as the ones who victimised you in the first place. It seems that there are plus size people of the opinion that because they have been scorned by the media and society, they are now entitled to attack/retaliate those who fall within media’s/society’s acceptable list. Instead of promoting hate towards another group, why not promote love and positivity for our own? Why waste your time and energy talking/bashing/nagging “skinny people this.. skinny people that” putting them down, making them look like the “enemy” when you can focus more and teaching our plus size family that they are beautiful and are loved and that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

Now, on a page I admin which is dedicated to showing love and appreciation for plus size women, I love to share and see quotes and comments that encourage us big girls to love ourselves, not be ashamed of our bodies and take care of our bodies. But ever so often I come across comments that worry me because all I see is a big girl bashing a slender girl just to make herself feel better. If you have to resort to putting down someone else to make yourself feel better then something isn’t right with you. Why can’t we love and appreciate everyone no matter size, race or any of these other factors that we use to classify ourselves?

People need to understand that we come in so many different shapes, sizes, colours etc, and that there is beauty to behold in each of us. No one should be made to feel less than a person because they are different. After all, variety is the spice of life. Think about it!

Regards, http://nellybplussize.blogspot.com/ http://www.youtube.com/user/Blessednelly16

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ARTIST: DAN23, “4 Hands”

Street Art Save My Life Facebook.com/streetartsavemylife

WORDS FOR

JUSTICE

The nation has been set ablaze after the recent shocking (or not so shocking) acquittal of George Zimmerman in the controversial and prolific Trayvon Martin Murder Case. The face of social and racial change in America has now been met with much uncertainty (and fear) as each day that passes is on closer to possibly something bigger than we could imagine. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely a wake up call, but ...

Just what will the answer be?

Supporters of the magazine of sent in their photos of solidarity as well as a few words sharign their viewpoints on how the case has affected them.

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Everytime I come to some sort of an understanding of the how and why of all that has happened since February 26, 2012, something new happens that makes me start a whole new process of analysis of this white supremacist, racist, sexist, Islamophobic, homophobic society. But not all is dark and gloomy.

I find hope in seeing everyone angry and in the streets. But while we’re out there marching for Trayvon, let’s not forget the innocent Yemeni, Pakistani and Somali boys killed by American drone strikes.

Let’s not forget the destruction of poor & working class neighborhoods as a result of gentrification right here in our city. Let’s not forget the exploitation of undocumented laborers. Let’s not forget about the stripping away of women’s rights over their own bodies. Its all connected under the same system of oppression and domination that creates inequalities based on race, ethnicity, class, gender, and, sexuality.

-Tehmina

Zimmerman winning the case only proves, that racist people still exist. It will forever be hard on us as black Americans to live without all the bullshit thats stacked against us.

-Roshawn

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As for my comments on the case, It just proves racism is still alive and strong. And ignorant ass folks that cling to the beliefs that if you are black you are automatically guilty are still holding positions of power. Very freaking sad, like the other case in florida where that woman shot a gun in the air to protect herself from her abusive husband, whom she has a restraining order on. and she gets 20 years- for protecting her and her family from this abusive ass, WTF! The common denominator was she is black, like trayvon is black. If they both where white the court decisions would’ve been drastically different. America will never truly be” land of the free” till this type of ignorance has been abolished.

-Davence Lately, the main thing that everyone has been talking about is the verdict in the George Zimmerman Murder Trial. As we all know, Zimmerman was charged...and found not guilty...with the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed Black teen in the state of Florida. The Nation was outraged by the jury’s decision, and many believe that a great injustice had been done.

However...in MY opinion, the jury knew EXACTLY what they were doing by setting this man ‘free!’

With Zimmerman out on the streets, he’s basically walking around with a huge target on his back due in part to all of the threats he and his family have been receiving since his acquittal. For him, incarceration would have been much safer than being out among an angry society ... and the jurors knew that. So for the rest of his life, he’ll have to CONSTANTLY watch over his shoulder for any potential attackers. To spend the rest of one’s life in fear is far worse than any physical pain ... and for Zimmerman, the psychological torment will serve him just right!

Enjoy your ‘freedom,’ George Zimmerman ... because before you know it, the stress and guilt will kill you before any angry mob will!

- Glenn

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Stand for SOMETHING...

Or fall for EVERYTHING.

Special Thanks to: Tehmina Brohi, Roshawn Tyler, Davence Young, Shawn Wynn, Sherida Batts, Christopher Vega, Candice Agard, Zion Moore, Ernest Estime, Katherine Silverio, Kevin Adena, Christopher Rodriguez, Treanna Neufville, Darrius Hyman-Sandford, Keisha Dutes, Omari Stewart, Dana Miller, & Glenn Hayes for your supportive imagery and thoughts.

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rd anfo

-S man k s Hy u or i r r w a the l

by D e r a tos eise Pho even M t S of

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“The human body is the best work of art.”

- Jess C. Scott Such compelling words from fiction author Jess C. Scott. It would seem that many consider the human body to be the best work of art. But what about what the human body wears?

Can this be considered Art? Can we considered clothing and the expression it conveys to be Art? I recently was introduced to an hour long lecture by FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) Fashion Museum director, curator and intellectual historian, Valerie Steele. Valerie provided such a detailed explanation of the debate “Is Fashion Art?” Art is defined by most as quote “the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form.” I agree with this statement, However to define it in my own words, it’s the conception, creation and celebration of vision, sound, texture etc. based off ones own imagination and inspiration.

I would describe fashion as simply the cultivation of style or taste and behavior into an expression or representation.

After listening to lecture by Valerie Steele, it was very enriching. Valerie started off by stating that many have considered Fashion not to be Art. “Art is defined as an intellectual dimension where Fashion is considered an Aura of Art.” It is industry and not a part of the Art world. Valerie then went on to state that Fashion is Capitalism favorite child. Along with Fashion, what other form of art, or Art has not been ravaged by Capitalism?

Music has become an art that no longer is about the art of playing instruments, singing etc. Just about anyone who can hold a tune is considered a singer, and anyone who can work a soundboard, considered a musician. Although Music has its great defining moments, most of it has become so commercial and simplistic that this type of music does not transcend into an artistic expression, it transcends into just a commodity. However, no matter how simple or commercial some music is, no one ever questions if Music is art.

Photography rather, Fashion Photography is considered Art. I find this offensive as a designer and as an artist. I feel this way because, how can you say that Photography is art, more importantly the photography of fashion is art, showcase it in museums, galleries, magazines etc. and then deny Fashion the right to be considered Art? Granted the setting, the lighting and the angle are contributing factors, but all of this is based off of the object in the picture, the Garment. I dare to even say the Model wearing the garment is an artist and modeling is considered art, because she brings life to garment in the picture and to the runway.

Valerie brought a brief point on the eco-feminism of fashion which I thought was very intriguing.

Feminine Vanity = Fashion V.S Masculine Genius = Art When you look back in Fashion History, Woman utilized fashion as a means of self expression, power, class and sexuality. Some of the most Influential Women in History used Fashion to convey, self-expression, power, class and Sexuality. From Cleopatra, Marie Antoinette (who was considered as the leader of Fashion in France), Georgina Spencer Cavendish, The Duchess of Devonshire (who was dubbed the Empress Fashion in England); these women were powerful woman, both politically and in regards to Fashion. What they wore, how they showcased themselves was nothing less than moving works of Art designed by couturiers or Artists.

If I was to pick a side on this debate, it would be the side that French Couturier Paul Poiret took when he stated “I am an Artist, not a dressmaker, women come to me as they go to a painter, to have their picture painted.” Poiret is perhaps best known for freeing women from the painfully restrictive corsets and inventions including hobble skirts, “harem” pantaloons, and “lampshade” tunics in the early twentieth century. Granted Mademoiselle Coco Chanel’s point about Fashion being “Charming & Ephemeral” and that “Fashion should die and quickly” is more evident in today’s fashion world. With Social Networking and the use of Information technology, the Art of Fashion travels so much more quickly than during the days of 20

Marie Antoinette. This further Challenges the Designer or the “Artist” to stay up to date with trends and style.

Cristobal Balenciaga stated something that further enriched my position on Fashion being art. He stated and quote “Fashion Designers are Architects for the cut, Sculptures for the form, Painters for the Color, Musicians for the Harmony and Philosophers for the Style. Is this not a collection of artists being channeled as one? With fashion changing so much I can certainly understand why some would consider it to not be Art. Art is timeless, beautiful and classic. Some Fashions such as the “little black dress”, “the pencil skirt”, have been seen over the years. Would you dare not consider these to be timeless, beautiful and artistic in the way it makes a woman look?

Perhaps it would seem more prominent to define Haute Couture as Art rather than fashion, to highlight the difference between designing for the masses and designing for expression through, emotion, perspective, inspiration and psychology.

Lee Alexander McQueen stated when designing some of his Haute Couture collections “I’m about what goes through people’s minds, the stuff that people don’t want to admit or face up to. The shows are about what’s buried in people’s psyches.” However one of most valid points to this is that Fashion Designer’s pull from so many areas of Art. Some may considered is assimilation as Valerie Steele stated in her lecture. Others may consider it inspiration; if it is indeed inspiration and not simply copying from another Artist. During the Lecture Valerie quoted Pierre Bourgeois who simply summed up this debate. Pierre and as I quote “The work of Art is an object which exist as such, only by virtue of the collective belief which knows and acknowledges it as a work of art,” simply stating that Art is in the eye of the beholder or in this case the eyes of its beholders.

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All photographs are works by Steven Meisel 28

by Treanna Neufville

Out with the old... in with the bold...

... Bold lips that is; just one of the many hot new trends this Fall.

Fresh off the runways, many fashion designers are featuring some of Fallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest looks in makeup trends, ranging from deep vampy reds to beautiful berry hues, to dark deep smokey cat eyes, and pops of colors and winged liner galore. The cosmetics lines are getting geared for the Fall as well.

MAC Cosmetics has created a limited edition line to commemorate the late great fashion illustrator, Antonio Lopez. The limited edition line features bright bold hues as well as neutral tones synonymous with the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works.

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Maybelline has offically launched their Color Tattoo in Pressed pigments (Pigments is loose color eye shadow). Pigments can be applied dry for a shimmery effect or wet for an explosive, glossy look. The pigments are offered in a variety of eye catching, beautiful shades.

For those beautiful retro red and beautiful berry hues that are fresh off the runway, look no further than Cover Girl Lip Perfection Lip Color. These lipsticks are enriched with a silk moisturizing complex that helps to improve the moisture, and assist in creating smooth, soft, and beautiful lips in as little as 7 days.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be afraid to try these trends and pick the ones that are right for you. Complete that fall wardrobe with these fashion forward makeup trends!

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Davence hands over the reigns of cosplay info to fellow cosplayer, Mykaios, who provides some interesting tidbits of info on what goes along with commissioning a cosplay artist for work. Take notes!

Photos provided by: Davence, showing examples of the level of work on one of his cosplay fabrication commissions

There are different reasons why people seek cosplay commissions - whether you have no artistic ability whatsoever, don’t have the time, are lazy or would prefer something of higher quality than that of ebay and so on, there are things that one should know and to expect before seeking out another individual for a commissioned piece.

First: Have you tried looking online? I personally don’t recommend buying from Ebay/China/ Halloween stores, etc mainly due to the sizing, accuracy and quality that you get for the price. I mean, if you’re not terribly picky and if you are on tight budget, then go for it. Moreso, if you cannot afford those prices, do not expect a commissioner to charge the same price or even less. Oftentimes, the costs of materials are higher than the price of what you can get a full costume from these places. Most commissioners will try their best to work around budgets and may go with cheaper materials, however, while you might be fine with cheaper materials and less details, in the end the costume reflects that person’s work and 33

abilities. Cheaper materials may work for your budget, but it might not work for the commission and what it entails. It may not sit or flow the way it is suppose to or look right. Some materials just can’t be switched out either. For example, a bodysuit can’t quite be made without stretchy fabrics, otherwise it won’t hug your body correctly and it will be difficult to move around in, plus you run the risk of it being too tight or too loose.

Commissioners 101: A commissioner, specifically for cosplay, has taken the time, often at least two years to teach themselves the tricks and methods needed to sew and make cosplay items. It takes time to learn about the various fabric and materials available, It takes time to learn to use the sewing machine and its different functions as well as a serger and or embroidery machine. It takes time to learn to read a pattern, modify a pattern and draft one up from scratch.

Of course, it also takes time to shop, cut and sew up a costume (or draft, build, paint props) from start to finish. For props, it takes time to learn how to use table and

band saw, and lathes, and whatever else. It also requires access to a shop whether it’s available at one’s school, neighborhood or home. Running a shop is expensive. School tuition costs money, a shop like TechShop, has a monthly/yearly membership fee and classes are generally required on top of that to be cleared for access. Running one at home require upkeep and electricity costs. Be prepared for the possibility of high prices, remember you can’t even get a personal tailored suit for less than $300 and that’s a blazer, pants and maybe a vest - so why should a full costume which has more detail and fabric cost less than a simple suit?

Material costs: Fabric on average costs $10/yard. Something like broadcloth (usually used for quliting) is $3.99/yard. Special occassion/ bridal fabrics can be anywhere from $3.99$19.99/yard and pleathers and spandex can be $9.99-$21.99/yard. It really depends on where you shop and what’s available to you. Not all of us are near Los Angeles or NYC to get the better fashion/fabric district deals (or selection, because NYC can be even more costly). Joann/Handcock fabrics doesn’t have a wide variety as one might think. Shopping online often takes time, as one would have to order swatches (which also costs money) to make sure that that fabric would meet the needs of a project.

For props and accessories: -insulation foam, -Worbla -bondo -fiberglass cloth -fiberglass resin

On top of fabric costs there are also other costs for a costume: -thread -ribbon, -bias tape -trim -buttons -zippers -fasteners -elastic -dyes -paints -interfacing -embroidery thread -hot glue sticks -hot glue gun -beads -lace -rhinestones -jewelry findings -heat ‘n bond, -hem tape -muslin -leatherworking tools, etc.

-Cast ‘n Craft or other resin -resin pigments -sand paper -glues/bonding agents like epoxy -craft foam -foam board

-wood/metal -plaster of Paris -plaster strips -silicone mold kits -primer/paints -acrylic/plastic sheeting 34

-pvc pieces -Wonderflex -LED lights -plasti-seal -duct tape (or duck tape) -masking tape, painter’s tape -clay or crayola model magic For wigs: -the base wig (anywhere from $25-65), -wefts, wefting needles -wefting thread -wig stand/foam head -hair spray -freezing spray -spiking glue -wig dyes or sharpie/copic marker -leave-in conditioner -wig shampoo and conditioner -hair clips/bobby pins/hair ties or rubber bands, etc. *Material costs can, very well add up and they will also vary by design, what you want and the commissioner’s approach.

Also keep in mind and different body types and sizes require different amounts of fabric and materials. The fabric requirement for a small person will not be the same for a bigger or taller person. *Labor costs: A lot of commissioners do this as their main source of income, if not their only source of income and most charge anywhere from minimum wage to $10/ hour. So, by that logic I usually put it in the way as, you may have a normal part/full time job for your main source of income to pay rent and bills and you clock in and record every hour you work and get paid for every hour you work, same for us. You pay taxes and so do we. You buy groceries, so do we - etc. So charging a little more than minimum wage isn’t unreasonable by any means as we aren’t just greeting guests, taking orders, stocking shelves, whatever.

It’s easier to set price points for things such as wigs as they can be treated much like regular salon services. Keep in mind though that wigs are not the same as your own head of hair. There are a lot less fibers/hairs to work with and usually extra has to be added in order for the base wig to style-able like normal hair. Some salons have wig services which are almost, always a lot more costly than normal hair styling services due to the nature of wigs. So, prices can be set according to length of the wig and or what type of service is needed: cutting, dying, styling/up do’s/spiking.

Same with plushies. I’ve has someone compare a 35

plushie commission to a costume commission before and I assure you that material costs and time are vastly different between the two. So, to compare the two and expect the same prices is rather unreasonable.

Shipping: Shipping will vary per item and destination.

Wigs that do not require a custom box can fit in a flat rate priority mail padded envelope and be shipped for about $8 within the US. Something like a school uniform can fit in a medium flat rate box and be shipped for about $12. Full costumes and armor vary.

International prices also vary and of course there is a price difference between the post office, UPS and FedEx and extra fees apply for services like tracking, signature confirmation and or insurance (and perhaps customs for non US deliveries).

Timing: Everyone works at a different pace. A partial costume or small piece can take 5-10 hours, full costumes start at around 20 hours and fully elaborate costumes and armor pieces can take 50+ hours. So the more detail and material, the more material costs, time and labor it will take.

After having read all of this, I hope that everyone is more well aware of what goes

into making cosplay costumes and anything else that may be related. I also hope that people understand a little more about the material and labor costs and why commissioners charge what they charge and why the prices may seem “ridiculous.”

Now, if you’ve read and understood all of this and are still wanting to have someone commission something for you, please do the following when seeking a commission, whether you are contacting someone directly or posting on a forum: Instead of seeking out quotes in order to know how much to save up, here’s a gen-

eral price range of things. Remember, the more detail and materials, the higher the price will be: Pieces of a costume, such as a tunic start at $50.

School uniforms are $150-200, possibly even over $300 depending on design, whether a custom embroidered patch is needed and whether you want it to be fully lined or not.

Full costumes are expected to start around $300.

Disney princess gowns start at $400.

Costumes with armor pieces start at $500.

Costumes with a lot of armor start at $800.

Full body armor can range between $1.5-3k+ Bodysuits starts at $300.

Corsets starts at $200.

Bunnysuits start at $300.

Another way to to calculate price is to double or even triple the costs of ebay/ China prices. Remember, for the most part,

you can’t even get a custom tailored suit for less than $300, so why should a fully lined and detailed costume be any less?

Deadlines: It’s best that you look for a commission at least a month or two in advanced. Many commissioners are booked months in advanced and not everyone is available on the spot. Though if you are in need of something rather quickly, be prepared to pay rush fees and possibly for express shipping. I can’t I suggest looking for something with a deadline of about a week or two.

Reference images: Not everyone knows what character or item you may be referring to as not everyone has seen or played every video game, anime, movie, etc, so high-res screen caps, or concept artwork is the best way to go. Figures are also handy.

Measurements: Earlier i mentioned that not everyone is the same size and that everyone requires a different amount of fabric and materials which makes a world of difference when determining material costs so more or less may be needed. I’m not sure why some people absolutely refuse to give measurements and expect us to give a quote. I mean, they are just quotes but I like to be as thorough as possible, to prevent any under/over charging for materials and it just makes things less messy.

BE RESPECTFUL. It really should go without saying, but some people just can’t ever be 36

happy and they have to be like that old lady who complains that their soup is too hot or cold or something. We are human beings just like you and we work hard. We can’t answer emails within 30 seconds (though if you’ve asked a question and waited over two weeks, I’d start to worry).

Things can be frustrating, but that doesn’t mean you have to lash out at us. We might’ve made a mistake, some times things do come up and we may miss your deadline, progress or updates might not be as frequent as originally wanted but again, we’re human. Understand that your commission is probably not the only commission we have nor is it the only thing we have going on in our lives (and to not expect this is rather selfish and ignorant imo). We have emergencies, bad days, school, maybe a job outside of commissioning, etc just like everyone else. Don’t cuss at each other, don’t yell at each other - proof read and think about your words before clicking “submit” or “send”. Ask yourself, “Would I like it if someone treated me this way?”

Etiquette: (Most of) these pointers were originally written by Methos of cosplayisland: If you’re going to a commissioner, chances are it’s because you’ve been recommended them by a friend, or have seen some of their awesome work before and or they contacted you. So, common sense and courtesy should dictate that if you’re purchasing something from these artists, and make no mistake, some of the stuff I’ve seen come out of commissioners online is definitely art, you should be professional and treat it like any other business transaction.

Do not assume anything is easy and post “this is simple/easy to make” Even the simplest things take time. If it is simple, try doing it yourself. If you lack the skills to do so, then it is not simple…

Don’t constantly hound them asking for updates and progress pictures…

Chances are when they agreed to do a design for you, you spoke about a date when you would need the piece done by, and it was agreed on.

They don’t need you constantly messaging asking for updates every day, or every few days, as that sort of behavior is just piling on stress and turning what should be an enjoyable project for both of you, into a time where the commissioner feels that the customer is always watching over their shoulder. Moreso, do not do so and harass them and post countless questions on their threads/facebooks (including friends and family)/DeviantART/tumblr/Twitter/etc.

Entitlement is not the way to go… If you’re going to any commissioner, then lots of other people are too. There might be people that have ordered pieces (way) before you, chances are there are, and the that person or studio are working on a dozen pieces at a time. This is to be expected, as I said above, messaging them constantly and asking for updates isn’t going to help the situation, so just let them work and do their thing, and you’ll have your project soon.

Be professional… and by this, I’m simply saying “don’t be a douche bag” really, more than likely you’ve paid (or are going to have to) a deposit up front, for some hefty kit, it was probably a decent sum, and this is to be expected. Paying a deposit helps the commissioner get in the stock fabrics or other materials needed for the project, it makes sure they can work on your bits without having to wait for you to trickle in money to them so they can continue, and last of all it helps ensure that the commissioner won’t be out of pocket if you randomly decide to change your 37

mind or drop out of the deal before the final payment… These things are standard practice, and good common sense for any business. Do not expect a commissioner to start a project without a deposit and do not ask for updates on a project when you haven’t even paid (trust me, it’s happened more than once).

It just seems that a lot of commissioners are being taken for granted lately, with people bugging them constantly for updates, posting all over their FB pages demanding progress pictures and update reports, when this sort of behavior is just annoying them more and making them wish they hadn’t taken on the project in the first place.

If you’re planning a huge costume, and know you’ll have to go to a commissioner for some pieces of it, why not plan in advance… give yourself, and the artist, plenty of time, 6, 9, 12 months or so, giving as much time as possible will lead to a stress free environment for both you and the artist, and it gives you both plenty of time to work out any design plans, discuss the project as it’s ongoing, and solve any problems that arise while the designs and pieces are being put together.

The commissioners around the cosplay scene do some seriously fantastic work, and they seem to get a lot of stress for bringing these amazing creations to life, and then the cosplayer themselves gets the limelight…. don’t forget the commissioners who worked so hard bringing your costume to life, show them courtesy, respect and use your common sense, that way everyone comes out ahead of the business. ______________________ If you have read all this and still can’t comprehend commissions for whatever reason, then I suggest you purchase a basic sewing machine (which can be bought for less than $100) and learn yourself. Only then, will you truly understand the time and costs it takes. *For more information on material and labor cost breakdowns, check out pg. 63 Also check out Mykaios site @ http://mykaios.tumblr.com

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w/ e n e c On S

After a long day, what better way to cap off a Sunday evening than to catch a show in Brooklyn?

We got the opportunity to check out Joya Bravo as she took the stage and lit it up at SRB Brooklyn for the Soundcheck Live Concert Series. With just her, (standing atop an astounding pair of white platform boots) her violin, a drummer and her accompanying music, Joya put forth a sound that absolutely called for your attention for every second that she was on stage. It was practically an entrancign sight to see her get lost in the music every time she began to put her bow to the violin strings. Luckily for us, after her set, we were able to chat with her and get a bit more insight into who she is as an artist, her influences, and much more.

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How you Doing Joya?

I’m good, how are you?

I’m awesome. Why don’t you tell the people where you’re repping, where you hail from and all that.

Umm, well I was born in Queens, shout outs to Queens. I did all my schooling in Atlanta, shout outs to ATL, and I’ve lived in Brooklyn for the past seven years, so shout outs to Brooklyn, Bushwick.

We are at Sound Check Live right now with Brey King and we are at SRB’s Brooklyn so shout outs to all of them as well.

Yes, yes shout out to SRB, Brey King, and Sound Check Live. Definitely a dope performance you put on.

Thank You. Appreciated seeing it. Now you definitely have a very eclectic style which I personally love.

You’re very well rounded with your art, but how did you get introduced to using the violin and, to add on to that, how did you find a way to incorporate that into the music you do now as far as Hip-Hop and just overall music period?

Well I started when I was nine years old. I thank God I was raised in Kennesaw, Georgia, thank God to my Mother for moving us away from Queens and the not so good public school systems that are here in New York. So yeah, I went to Archer Middle School and in the ninth grade they show you a bunch of instruments and say pick one if you want and it was between that and the drums and I picked the violin. Besides that, I didn’t know I could sing till I was 15, I just always knew I was a performer. I used to practice to MTV, whatever TRL, all that shit when I was young and growing up. Then of course I love playing the violin.

I became a savant, you know like an idiot savant or whatever the fuck you call that shit. I used to come home and practice for like six hours, not eat, like I just became obsessed with it. Obviously I could never put that down so I am still doing it.

Awesome. Now with your sound, who would you say are you’re biggest inspirations as far as what you’re doing right now?

Honestly, my biggest inspirations would be and I guess this comes from living in Kennesaw, Georgia

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but definitely Thom Yorke from Radio Head, Eddie Vedder, Serj Tankian from System of a Down, Nina Simone, Lauren Hill big time. Bob Marley, cause I’m Jamaican. There’s just so many, Nick Drake, there’s just so many. I love free sound.

That’s my love. It’s free sound. Not being put in to a box.

Nothing that sounds perfect. We are human so I love like shit that doesn’t sound normal or whatever. And I hate the word normal and I hate the word weird. I just like free sound. I think artists like Serj Tankian and Eddie Vedder, Thom Yorke, there’s so many more. Bloc Party I love them, oh my God. But they experiment with that sound, it’s nothing boxed, it’s nothing pretty. It’s just straight up raw emotion and that’s how I work. That’s what touches me and that’s what I give.

Ok, now you mentioned Kennesaw, Georgia; would you say the music culture out there is different versus being here? How would you describe it?

You know, that is an amazing question. I’m glad you asked that question and thank you for asking that question. I was raised on reggae and of course I was raised on smooth jazz after hours on whatever R&B station from my mother.

But when I was 9, something happened when I started playing the violin and I just became open, much more open to different types of music. My roots really became Indie Rock and Alternative Rock; that’s my favorite genre besides Reggae of course. But again it’s just the imperfection I crave so much, that I attract so much, so I would definitely say Indie Rock and Alternative Rock. The difference between being in Kennesaw, Georgia and listening to 99X and coming here to New York everything is very, very Hip-Hop based. So I am honesty just now learning about all of the shit that I should already know and people are always like “You don’t know…” and I’m not gonna name and names cause I don’t want anybody to beat me up but people always be like “you don’t know such and such” and I’m like no you got to put me on. But I do love J.Dilla and I love Flying Lotus and The Roots of course, shout out to them.

So you’re saying Hip-Hop down there isn’t very strong?

There isn’t Hip-Hop, there’s Trap. You’ve got some great Hip-Hop acts of course, Outcast of course. Of course TI. There are some greats down there but everybody is about the flow and about having a good time out there in terms of the Rap or Hip-Hop scene. But really the basis I’d say is Indie Rock and Alternative depending on where you’re from.

So with that, what’s the stamp you’d say you’d like to put with your music going forward? The Joya Bravo sound?

The Joya Bravo sound is good music. Period.

Well, there it is.

No Kanye!

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[Laughs] Exactly! Now you mentioned to me some singles.

Tell me about those you’re collaborating with some pretty popular artists.

I have a remix coming out with Jadakiss and Movado for the “Just Like Magic” song. I have another remix coming out with Collie Buddz for his song “Light it Up” which is a huge secret right now so you get that exclusive. And there’s just a bunch coming up I have a single dropping called “Badda Dan Dem” which is “Badder Than Them” if you’re American and don’t know what the fuck I am talking about. There’s just a bunch coming up I also just got casted for this movie playing a huge, a huge, huge shall I just say soul woman. And I only have 2 lines so let’s not get carried away but it’s a role about a Brazilian artist called Tim Maia. So I am gonna be coming out playing part of his posse and which is the soul ladies, when she was coming up. Y’all are gonna bug when you see who it is cause you know its weird as fuck that it’s me but I’m excited. I’m really, really happy I got casted for the role.

When can we expect that do you think?

Well we’re taping at the end of July I’m pretty sure it’ll be out by the top of next year.

Now what do got coming next as far projects are concerned or what are you working on that you can divulge to the people right now?

Well I’m, working on the EP right now and I’m not gonna talk about the name because it has a curse word in in and we’re not really 100% sure about the name yet but most of the songs are done. I mean that’s pretty much the focus right now and getting this remix with Movado and Jadakiss out, “Like Magic” and the single “Badda Dan Dem” which we will be filming the video for at the top of August which I’m really excited about and then the movie and just going from there and seeing what happens you know, piece by piece.

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The Joya Bravo sound is good music.

Period.

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doing but I’m swimming”. So I’m thankful to have that opportunity but going to Brazil and being apart of the movement that’s happening out there, There’s such a big surge of afro – and this is gonna sound really wrong - but of afro-centricity. Just really uplifting the African people in Brazil. I played the Back2Black festival with Erykah Badu, Seun Kuti and I got to hang out with Seun Kuti and his band. I really felt like I was apart of something because the people embraced me so much and I’m really, really thankful to the Brazilians, the Cariocas you know everybody out there shout outs to La Kichwas.

Now where can people find everything Joya Bravo, what social networks, what sites, everything?

Well besides finding me randomly in the subway from here and there, you can find me at Joya Bravo that’s Facebook.com/ joyabravo, @joyabravo on Twitter and Instagram. Joya Bravo everything, there’s nothing different, no spaces, no dashes, no underlines. Just Joya Bravo everywhere and that’s where you can find me.

Yeah, I remember the first time I saw you was at the Roots Jam and Highline Ballroom.

Really?

Yeah, I was like, “this is a dope violinist.”

That was definitely a dope moment at least for me to see but what would you say has been a real defining moment for you thus far in your career, that real shining moment for you so far?

I guess from a media standpoint I would say that the McDonald’s commercial was the biggest thing, major, major, major shout outs to McDonald’s. I mean major because, you know, they bought me my electric violin. Thank you so much to them. That would I guess be one of my major defining moments and it was also a moment that really made me. I was a young artist then, and I still am, I’m still working on it. Back then I was really like a fish swimming in a big ass ocean like “Whelp, everything is happy, everything is cool, I don’t know what the fuck I’m 47

Now just one more quick question. I just want to know, does your violin have a name?

Umm, this is the second time I’ve be asked this and I have been really stumped. She hasn’t spoken to me yet but she will cause my acoustics’ name is Lusqueal so I call her Lucy. Umm, but you know she’s working on it. She’s quiet right now. She’s shy.

No Betty’s, nothing like that?

No, no Betty’s no, no. Hmmm she’d probably pop a string in my eye if I named her Betty.

Alright, alright well that’s cool. Thank you for talking to us Joya, we appreciate it.

Thank you so much!

We are looking forward to everything, definitely.

Thank you for coming!

No problem, thank you!

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I love free sound. Not being put in to a box. Nothing that sounds perfect . . . It’s just straight up raw emotion and that’s how I work. That’s what touches me and that’s what I give.

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by Jordanne Brown

I’m extremely happy to bring you this interview from talented producer/ mixer Dirty Basin. His unique sound and positive attitude make him a fresh young talent to keep an eye on!

Hey Dirty Basin. Tell us about yourself and your background...

Hey, I grew up in Enfield, North London. In 2004, my cousin Daniel (known in the underground UK grime scene at that time as Product) introduced me to the idea of producing and engineering sounds. I remember starting off by downloading the Fruity Loops 3 demo. This didn’t let you save your work so in a way it taught me to work fast. My alias back then was ‘Sketchi’ and that’s basically what my music sounded like, fast and rough (due to not being able to save my work). Around the same time, an old friend, Michael, and his older brother, Pacman were part of a group called Flame on Family.

Sharing a passion for music, he offered me music programmes and packs to help me develop my production skills. This helped me a lot and I started off producing grime music as I was influenced by Pacman and it was the music I was listening to at the time.

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After dropping out of my secondary school’s 6th form, I enrolled at Barnet College to study a BTEC National Diploma Music Technology Level 3 in 2009. There I became even more open to the world of music and learned more about both the technical and legal sides of the industry.

In 2010 I was introduced to Hi Soul, one of the best producers I have personally come across in my life. I’m not just saying that either! Like me, he also thinks deeply about the philosophy of sound and music. He has definitely influenced me a great deal through the music-based conversations we’ve had over the past couple years and through his music.

So I’ve been producing music for the last 10 years under a few different names and put out a few EPs but whilst I was at college, I decided that I wanted to be a sound engineer and that’s the direction I’m heading in now.

Where does the name Dirty Basin come from?

Half of it stems from the saying “I’ve washed my hands of you”. I heard that phrase frequently growing up– sometimes even from teachers. I admit that I can be challenging, but I just see my need to question things as a request for assurance. If you ask me to do something and I ask why, it isn’t because I don’t want to do it. I just like to know the reason behind things.

It’s the meanings and reasons behind things that motivates me and keeps me going. If you get fed up with me because you can’t explain the point of why you’ve asked something of me, then maybe you should question your reasons behind things. I’m just that way inclined and I’m sure the people I’m no longer associated with today chose to “wash their hands of me” because of this. But I’m easy. I can hold my own, you know.

On a positive note, Dirty Basin basically sums up my own philosophy in sacrificing my own cleanliness to make others feel clean and pure, so to speak. And I do this through music. I like spending hours and hours, day and night making something which would hopefully get you thinking or

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even get you through a stressful moment at work, at home or wherever you are. It’s a nice feeling when I get a call or a text out of the blue from a friend saying something like, “I just listened to your EP again, sitting at work and it got me through this report my manager needed first thing tomorrow.” I smile when I hear things like that and that’s why I make music. I want people to use my music as a form of stress relief. I’m not producing music to try and get rich. I like my music to be seen as an experience or “thinking music”.

Also, my music often has heavy bass lines, so the music itself has ‘dirty bass in’ it.

Congratulations on the release of the Anima EP! What inspired it to be made?

Anima is another word for soul or inner being. Spirituality is a topic I like to spend my downtime reading up on and thinking about, as well as the afterlife. At the time of creating the Anima EP, I was already watching a few documentaries like The Spirit Molecule, Quantum Communication, and The Code with Marcus du Sautoy. It’s the whole thing of “waking up”, whatever that means. I like the feeling of enlightenment. That’s what these types of documentaries and books do for me. I like to feel as if there’s more to come after this life and that there’s more in this life that we just don’t know or simply haven’t been told about yet. Anima also turned out to be the documentary by Dominoes Falling Productions and I ended up watching that too and I loved it to bits. It really gets you charged up.

What other projects have you done?

I’ve created various remixes and a few projects including ‘Paperwork’, ’Origami’ and ‘Sketches’ all short EPs. Another one I did was called, ‘Dream Recall’. This EP is 5 tracks long and has a more hip hop sound, though not the traditional kind. Listening to them, you’ll definitely find that my music has varied a lot over the last 2 years alone, and I see them as learning curves. That’s why if I can I won’t delete them from my Soundcloud or I at least back everything up. Most tracks I’ve made, I’ve not even spoke about. I just don’t think the time to show them is here yet. I don’t think the audience for my music is even alive yet, haha maybe in 2033 I’ll reveal what I’ve been hiding.

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The remixes that you’ve done, why did you choose to remix those songs in particular?

I grew up listening to music from a wide variety of genres, yet many of my friends that I grew up with only listened generally to grime, hip hop and bashment. Not a lot of people I know would even think to mutter the word techno let alone go out and dance to it so I wanted to mix things up. ‘Riot Van’ is a prime example of a track I just wanted to share with those who don’t generally listen to indie but prefer to chill out to down tempo music. Most of my remixes are done with the intent to introduce a genre to the listeners through fusion. Bands like Arctic Monkeys don’t really stand a chance in making it to a playlist or an iPod belonging to someone who likes music similar to down tempo, but maybe this particular remix did it for a few individuals, and vice versa for Arctic Monkey fans that may not be fond of more down tempo music.

Are there any other songs you intend to remix next?

I just finished remixing TOTALMESS’ latest release, Sandwatr. This is a very trippy yet calm-sounding track with a lot of arrhythmic percussion loops and samples. I thought I could bring my ideas to the table in terms of how the track should sound, and my key word for how I went about producing it was, “Oasis”. It was described by one listener as “ridiculously wet”, so I think I’ve succeeded. This will be featured on his’ SoundCloud and is part of the SANDWATR Remixes EP. The date is still yet to be confirmed as to when it will be released.

I’m as much a fan as I am a collaborator with TOTALMESS so I’m looking forward to that coming out. I have a set on Soundcloud with all my remixes in one place.

Most recently I’ve done remixes of Marvin Gaye’s ‘Sexual Healing’, Beach House’s ‘Some Things Last A Long Time’ and I have just put out a DaM-FunK remix project which was a really exciting project for me.

Do you have any hobbies?

I keep tropical fish. I just like the way that with a tank, you can design it, add plants and set a colour scheme if you want as well as choose the species of fish you have. Instead of watching soap operas, I like to chill with just the lights in the fish tank on, put on my favourite songs and stare into the water world. I plan to eventually get a marine tank but it

requires a lot of time and energy though.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to keep doing a few features and remixes, but generally I’m looking to get deeper into the world of mixing and engineering other people’s work. I like producing but for some reason I prefer to mix and engineer. I like making sounds sound! Producers will say to you, “How does this sound?”, but I always end up saying, “How is this sound sounding?” They’re two different questions. Besides that I will continue to make music, I’ve decided to cross over into another genre of music, a bit more dance orientated but I’m still considering an alias to go by as it will be very different to the stuff which comes under Dirty Basin. For now it’s Zanti, but it’s not a spin off from, Zante the party island, trust me.

Thank you, Dirty Basin for letting us know more about you. Where else can we find your music?

Thank you for showing interest in me and my music. You can download my DaM-FunK remix project from my bandcamp (http://dirtybasin.bandcamp.com/). My Anima EP release is available for free via the transounds bandcamp (http://transounds.bandcamp.com/). My other remixes and projects which you can get hold of are available on my Soundcloud page. I have a Facebook page where I also share thoughts and pictures. https://soundcloud.com/dirty-basin https://www.facebook.com/DirtyBasin https://twitter.com/dirtybasin

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RISING ARTISTS THAT YOU SHOULD GET TO KNOW

SMTH /HIP HOP ARTIST

Brooklyn born emcee SMTH is trying to give you something you can feel. Using life itself as his blank canvas, Smith (born Brandon Smith) illustrates his brand of street literature into a collage of portraits cleverly capturing the stark realities of the environment that raised him. Growing up, the rapper immediately connected to the freeform artistry from legends such as Jay-Z, Michael Jackson, and Prince. So much, that by the age of 12, he added his name to the list of artists expressing themselves from the heart and began a budding career in rap. His neighborhood, dominated by crime and the activities from both drug dealers and abusers developed the type of social commentary and perspective that skillfully details the engineering of a mindset in the streets. As the years passed, Smith’s skill and technique naturally matured, inevitably leading to working with established acts such as DJ Spinna, as well as find a home for his music, the Brooklyn based Freedom Musiq imprint and 5-6 City. In 2008, his ambitions and persistence on wax went far from unnoticed. After word circulated through the hip-hop community of his lyrical wizardry, he was able to secure a highly coveted nomination for Street Album Of The Year at the Justo Mixtape Awards. He also showcased his talent for hundreds of executives and tastemakers at a private Lebron James event alongside Top 40 acts Keri Hilson and DJ Webstar in New York City. The experience and exposure culminated the type of buzz to complement the launch of his recently released mixtape THE SMTH PROJECT. Best described as a self imposed credo of the acclaim he’s garnered over the years, the collection of songs will be his last artistic statement as a unsigned rapper and his first in transition to the greener pastures of mainstream America.

With a confidence that spans well past the community that raised and inspired him, be prepared for a refreshing air in the sub genre of New York rap. While today’s climate of rappers are trying to bring the golden age back, he focused on taking you forward. Are you ready for the ride? “I feel that in order for an artist to make it in the game, he needs to be great.

I know I’m the greatest at what I do and I’m ready to let the world know.” - Brandon Smith BOOKSMTH718@gmail.com http://SMTH718.com

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VANISSA CHAN /MEDIA ARTIST Vanissa W. Chan is a media artist, educator and community organizer whose passion for the arts is fueled by her work with the People, especially the youth.

Utilizing various mediums to create dialogue and draw attention to pressing sociopolitical issues, her workâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intent is to strengthen communal bridges, assist in storytelling, and shed light upon narratives that are often marginalized and buried under distress and trauma.

Vanissa is the co-founder of a growing Long Island coalition against police brutality named the Justice for Kenny Coalition (http://justiceforkenny.wordpress.com/), founded in 2010, two years after the police murder of 24 year old Kenny Lazo. Together with Kenny Lazoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partner, Jennifer Gonzalez, Vanissa has assisted in raising the awareness about the rampant police brutality that has gone on for decades in Long Island, tying it to the nationwide epidemic of police violence that is largely manipulated in the media and therefore largely misunderstood.

In 2010, with Oja Vincent, Vanissa founded the Alliance of Conscious Documentarians/ACD Media (http://acdmedia.wordpress.com/), an independent media collective that works to serve the media needs of marginalized communities.

Currently, the main projects are the Forced Trajectory project, which follows the narratives of family members of police brutality victims via still images and sound, in order to bring awareness to the rippling effects police violence has on communities while also providing more context for the October 22nd Coalitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stolen Lives Project (http://www.stolenlives.org/ & http://stolenlivesillustrated.wordpress.com/), and the Ayiti Solidarity project which focuses on uncovering the current situation in Haiti while also deeply investigating Haitian history to create a linear timeline from 1492 to present day Haiti.

ACD Media provides guerilla media workshops to individuals, organizations, and communities, teaching the basics of how to use media tools as weaponry against the dishonest mainstream media tactics. ACD Media has given workshops to Picture the Homeless (http://www.picturethehomeless.org/), El Puente, John Jay College, NuyoRican Poets Cafe & others.

Vanissa is also an illustrator. You can visit her new website at: http://nissadraws.wordpress.com/ Alliance of Conscious Documentarians Justice for Kenny Coalition Atlantis 2012 Stolen Lives Illustrated Project (SLIP) Vanissa W. Chan, Photographer/Illustrator

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WATCH OUT NOW

GLORIA RY’ANN /R&B/SOUL ARTIST

Not since Minnie Riperton has there been a more enchanting songstress with a glass-shattering high octave vocal-range. This show-stopping beauty Gloria Ry’ann is riding on the success of her current single releases “O.M.G.” and “Back With You”. Gloria is the treasured find for today’s music lovers. Entertaining crowds large and small across the country, Gloria has performed with the likes of pop princess Rihanna, Oscar-winner, Jennifer Hudson, legends Ashford & Simpson, Patti Labelle and the late Teddy Pendergrass.

Gloria has appeared on “The Today Show,” “106th & Park,” “The Mo’Nique Show,” The Tom Joyner Morning Show, The Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony and MTV European Music Awards as a supporting vocalist and as a soloist. “Music is the fabric of my soul,” Gloria says.

A Chicago-south-side-native, Gloria grew up with a love of music that was fostered by her mother who encouraged her to sing and perform for family and friends. Back then, Mariah Carey, Stevie Wonder and Teena Marie were among the vocal heroes of young Gloria who soon began lessons with the world-renowned composer Dr. Lena Mc Lin. Over time, Dr. Mc Lin helped Gloria nurture her skills as a artist that gave her the confidence to relocate to New York City and focus on her music career. “I knew moving to New York would be my push to pursue my dreams to make them my reality.”

Her determination is paying off. Emerging as a dynamic vocalist, with a four- octave range, Gloria Ry’ann has been featured throughout the country as a headlining music act. Her music has found a home on radio stations around the world.

Listeners are flocking to her sound on Facebook, MySpace and YouTube as well as live performances that convey a style, which Gloria describes as “positive, vibrant, classy, sensual, and sometimes naughty.” “From middle voice to the whistle register, Gloria is in possession of a vocal tone that is simply beautiful,” says Carl Smith of GrownFolksMusic.com. “I, for one, have reserved a space in my musical radar screen for [her] and I think you should, too.” http://www.gloriaryannmusic.com [E] gloriaryann@gmail.com

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WATCH OUT NOW

MARCUS BANKS /COMEDIAN

A native of New Rochelle, NY, Comedian/Actor Marcus Banks began his stage performance career in January 2011. Since then Banks has exposed audiences all over the New York Tri-State area to his, clever, high-energy, raunchy sense of humor every opportunity he’s gotten. In 2012, Banks performed in over 150 shows, opening for acts like Mike Epps, Michael Blackson, and Rob Stapleton to name a few.

In 2012, he took part in a 24-city tour from New York to North Carolina in which he was the only comedian on the bill. However, like most of the greats to come before him; Banks truly believes that his ability to make others laugh should be shared off stage as well. Banks makes every effort he can to give back. Not only has a he made financial donations to the local Boys and Girls Club of America, he’s made motivational speeches to the group of youngsters as well.

And he is just getting started…

This year Banks adds radio personality to his resume. He can be heard Every Tuesday on “The Chop” from 7pm-9pm EST. Banks is also working on his first Comedy Documentary entitled “Refund Check”, which is slated for release winter 2013. www.MarcusBanksComedy.com Facebook.com/Mbanks914 Twitter.com/Mbanks914 Youtube.com/914Mbanks

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WATCH OUT NOW

NEGROS AMERICANOS /HIP HOP ARTISTS

Negros Americanos is a bi-lingual hip-hop duo comprised of mc enigma and Bishop The Eastside Nappyhead. In 2011, Negros Americanos formed in Panama City, Panama with the goal of making music to unite people. â&#x20AC;&#x2039; Hailing from Plainfield, NJ, mc enigma and his partner-in-rhyme Bishop The Eastside Nappyhead began working on their craft making mixtapes in highschool. â&#x20AC;&#x2039; Having realized that there had been a steady influx of latinos in the United States, in 2011, mc enigma and Bishop the Eastside Nappyhead, saved up money and spent the whole year living in the barrios of Panama to form Negros Americanos, a bi-lingual, hip-hop duo. These two emcee/ songwriters are dedicated to improving the conditions and raising the bar in music, experimenting with international blends and exploring topics often overlooked or taboo in hip hop. http://www.negrosamericanosmusic.com/

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WATCH OUT NOW

JOSH ROSE /POP-ROCK ARTIST

The musical style of Josh Rose is some sort of a blend between John Mayer and Justin Timberlake (with Andrew McMahon and The Fray and Rob Thomas somehow mixed in a bit) but finding that definitive style to describe Josh’s music has always been his biggest battle.

Raised on Top 40 Pop music, the catchy hooks and tight dance routines with big production performances continue to pull at Josh’s sleeves due to those adolescent deep roots. After all, Pop music is what convinced Josh to do music in the first place (Specifically: Michael Jackson), which is why the feeling of a song is so important to him. Pop music is all about that addicting feeling that takes you captive.

But once in college Josh’s musical tastes changed to that indie rock and lyrical style that commands more respect than strobe lights (Specifically: Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin which then evolved back to the mainstream with John Mayer but then John Mayer went a bit underground which led to a deepening Rabbit Hole of confusion). As time passed Josh found himself back into the Top 40 feel with the Hip-Hop/Rap/Pop style of mainstream artists like Lil Wayne, Eminem, Drake, Flo Rida, Bruno Mars, etc. Not to mention the strong base country music has in Josh’s home state of Wisconsin (really now...how awesome is Rascal Flatts?!).

Because of these 2 very different worlds having such an impact on Josh’s life, pinpointing that perfectly desired label for a sound has been exhausting. One studio session Josh wants a thick complicated musical song with an orchestra and every line thought out just right but another session could lead to a production meeting involving a big electronic club track. Trying to make respectable Pop music (though an oxymoron to some) has been Josh’s fight. After all, the goal isn’t to be rich and famous, its to be well-known and respected.

That all being said, it will be a diverse album with many styles being featured as well as incredibly talented unknown guest artists that Josh is excited to introduce to the world...Stay Tuned. http://www.twitter.com/joshrosemusic http://www.myspace.com/joshrosemusic http://www.youtube.com/joshrosemusic

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MORE FROM THE ARTICLES....

Davenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cosplay Zone w/ My Kaios Continued info from pg. 35 Here are a few breakdowns of material costs for various costumes:

Labor generally breaks down like this:

**Princess Serenity: *12 yards of satin @ $7.99/yard = $79.90 *12 yards of lining @ $5.99/yard = $71.88 *12 yards of chiffon @ $9.99/yard = $119.88 *3 yards organza for the bow @ $9.99 = $29.97 *2 spools of thread @ $2.79/each = $5.58 *Zipper = $2.99 *Trim/details: $50 Material costs: $360.20 + $25.21 tax = $385.41

Costumes: *Researching for and purchasing materials *Finding more references *Drafting/modifying a pattern to your measurements *Cutting out the fabric according to the pattern *Sewing *Making sure it fits on the dress form (or you, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re local) *Serger-ing and finalizing hems/ seams *Making adjustments as necessary *Detailing: i.e. beading, painting, etc *Digitizing embroidery patterns/files -Embroidering *Adding zippers, buttons, snaps, velcro, etc

**Brotherhood Ezio: Undercoat (the longest) *4 yards white fabric = $51.96 *2 yards red (around the waist front and back) = $25.98 *4 yard white lining = $23.96 Top coat (+ hood, shoulder layers and sleeves = the most layered) *6 yards white = $77.94 *6 yards red lining = $35.94 Cape *2 yards white = $25.98 *2 yard red lining = $11.98 Undershirt/tunic *4 yards = $39.96 Just the fabric costs (no thread, trim, etc) : $293.70 + $20.56tax = $314.26 **Kyokou Sakura from Madoka Magica: *4 yards of a dark red/maroonish fabric @7.99/ yard = $31.96 http://www.joann.com/sew-classic-bottomweight-canvas-target-solids-many-colors/ prd26099/ *2 yards of white fabric @ 3.99/yard = $7.98 http://www.joann.com/symphony-broadclothsolids-assorted-colors/prd10006/ *2.5 yards of black fabric @ 3.99/yard = $9.98 same link *2 yards of a pastel red fabric for the skirt @ 9.99/yard = $19.98 http://www.joann.com/sew-classic-bottomweight-stretch-sateen-many-colors/xprd757778/ *1 yard of grey spandex @ $12.99/yard = $12.99 *Bias tape/trim = $1.99 http://www.joann.com/wrights-double-fold-biastape-1-4-x-4yds-many-colors/prd34706/ *Fabric paint = $3.99 http://www.joann.com/tulip-4-oz-dimensionalfabric-paint-1pk-many-colors/prd11788/ Material cost: $88.57 + tax $6.20 = $94.77

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Props/accessories: *Drafting *Sculpting -Making molds -Casting final forms in resin *Cutting out the wood/metal/acrylic *Sanding/shaping/embossing/engraving/etc *Fiberglassing *Priming *Painting *Sealing Wigs: *Washing *Hand sewing in wefts *Making dye -Dying *Cutting *Styling/sculpting **May also require accessories to be made

ARTIST: KISLOW, “Helping Hands”

Street Art Save My Life Facebook.com/streetartsavemylife

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Featuring “BlindSided” “Stylin’ Profylin’” and the latest single, “Strangers” www.Kolitionmusic.com Facebook.com/kolitionmusic twitter.com/kolition

Photographer: Anthony Rouse- Toneset Photos

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FunktheFormula, Inc. 2013